Today's KNOWLEDGE Share: Microwaving cords and cables

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Microwaving cords and cables: A recipe for copper and carbon black:

Italian and Japanese researchers have developed a novel method to free copper wire from its PVC coating, by treating electric cables with microwaves.

According to the ever-climbing ticker on the electronic waste (e-waste) monitoring site The World Counts, the amount of electronic waste disposed of in 2024 is over 50 million tonnes (or over 55 million tons). Of that, 76% comes from machines with power cords such as dishwashers, air conditioners, and electric shavers.

Now, researchers from Sophia University in Japan and Università di Pavia in Italy have announced a new method that uses an inexpensive microwave process and the scientific principle of pyrolysis to deal with both issues.

Pyrolysis refers to using high temperatures to turn solids into a gas and a solid residue.This process typically takes place in an inert, or oxygen-free environment.

In their study, the researchers started with different lengths of VVF cables the type of electrical wire often found in power cords which consist of copper wires covered by a PVC sheath. By placing the cables in a glass reactor, exposing them to varying degrees of microwave radiation, and using nitrogen gas to prevent combustion, they were able to convert the PVC sheathing to chlorine gas and carbon. The copper was left behind to be harvested and reused.

According to study lead author Satoshi Horikoshi from Sophia University, the chlorine gas could be converted into useful hydrochloric acid, while the carbon and activated carbon formed from the PVC could be turned into carbon black, which is often used as a pigment.

The method worked despite the fact that PVC does not absorb microwave radiation. Instead, what happened is that the copper wire inside acted as a sort of antenna that absorbed the microwaves and in turn heated the surrounding PVC. As the PVC heated up and turned to carbon, it got better at absorbing the microwaves as well, which accelerated the entire process.

According to the researchers, only about 35% of PVC is recycled, so their method could dramatically boost that number, freeing up valuable and reusable copper in the process.

VVF cables are commonly used as power cables in houses and buildings and have a high reuse value among e-waste," said Horikoshi.Our method is suitable for recycling and recovering e-waste containing metals and requires no pre-treatment to separate the plastics from the metals.

Horikoshi's technique joins other methods of dealing with e-waste we've seen, including using whey from milk to recover gold from electronics; flash-heating ground-up circuit boards and then vaporizing them to recover other precious metals; and using a cryo-mill to freeze electronics to separate out potentially reusable resources.

The new study has been published in the journal, RSC Advances.

Credits:sophia University/newatlas.com

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Two coloir photochemical process

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Light is critical to a plethora of applications and processes that govern our everyday life. Mostly, these applications are enabled by making a material by using one colour of light, for example the dental fillings that many of us have - remember the little blue light that the dentist uses?

However, many more applications and processes become possible when using two colours of light at the same time. We have introduced a taxonomy of how to classify two-colour photochemical processes, which includes wavelength orthogonal, synergistic and cooperative modes https://lnkd.in/gEPnqbPR.

One of these modes is called antagonistic photochemistry. It is perhaps the quirkiest of them all, because in this mode one colour of light starts a photochemical reaction, but when a second colour of light is added, the entire photochemical reaction stops.

Quirky, because why not just switch the first colour of light off and you achieve the same effect? Because certain 3D printing processes that allow printing extremely small objects (small then the size of a human hair), require antagonistic two-colour reaction modes.

Today, we introduce such a two-colour antagonistic photochemical reaction system jointly with our close collaborator Prof. Jordi Campos at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in the journal Advanced Functional Materials https://lnkd.in/gaBFWJMa Wiley. Final year PhD student and lead author Arnaud Marco joined our KIT node laboratory in 2024 to conduct part of the study there with Dr. Florian Feist and Dr. Tugce Nur EREN.

source:Christopher Barner-Kowollik

Final decision on anti-dumping duty on fiber optic cable imports from India‼️

The EC is taking another step against dumping prices on fiber optic products from outside EU borders. An anti-dumping investigation has just been closed for fiber optic cables imported from India.

After a thorough analysis of cable sales from India and a calculation of possible damages resulting from dumped prices, the EC has decided to set the final tariffs at 6.9 – 11.4 percent (depending on the manufacturer). The level of duties is in line with what the EC proposed as an interim measure in July 2024.

The EC's decision is expected to carry indirect positive aspects for customers. A significant increase in the influence of foreign suppliers could lead to a decrease in the innovation and quality of the products of domestic producers, who would have to increasingly reduce costs and adapt with the standard of products to producers from the East.

At the same time, it should be borne in mind that cooperation with suppliers who are not affected by further imposed tariffs is a guarantee of deliveries on time, stability of order fulfillment and invariability of prices. This is certainly of particular importance in the era of large telecommunications projects.

In such a situation, we encourage cooperation with domestic manufacturers such as FIBRAIN, who at the same time ensure a restrictive approach to production and quality control in accordance with high European standards.

We encourage you to read the latest document on the EC website⤵️

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202403014

source:FIBRAIN

#antidumpingduty

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share ;PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) in 2024:

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

PEKK (polyetherketoneketone) in 2024:

Here’s a partial list of PEKK’s attributes as a musculoskeletal implant:

Antibacterial properties; no biofilm formation

A near bio-mechanical twin to cortical bone

Hypoallergenic

Modifiable for a more precise anatomical fit

Better inherent osseointegration than metal

Strategically, this combination of features could improve outcomes (fewer periprosthetic infections, reduced rates of stress shielding or allergic reactions, and a better anatomical fit) and reduce revision surgeries saving musculoskeletal care providers hundreds of millions of dollars.

If there were a way to meet or exceed metal’s performance and complex design innovation, most surgeons would take a long hard look at polymer constructs.

For five major reasons:

Metal complicates post-op visualization

Metal often leads to stress shielding and loosening

Metal implants cannot be modified by the surgeon in the O.R.

Some patients have an allergic response to metal

Biofilm formation and infection risk come with using metal

Since 2006, DeFelice has been piling up key PEKK milestones:

2006: first machined PEKK spinal cages

2010: FDA clears first PEKK tissue marker

2012: FDA clears first PEKK craniomaxillofacial device (OsteoFab®)

2015: FDA clears first OsteoFab PEKK VBR spinal implant

2016: PEKK Wins Best Technology in Spine Award

2017: FDA clears PEKK spine implants made with OsteoFab process

2019: FDA clears PEKK suture anchor for multiple indications

In addition to 3D printing PEKK implants, OPM sells PEKK in powder, rod, and pellet forms.

Comparing Cortical Bone to 3D-Printed PEKK

This study, conducted by Northeastern University, concluded that PEKK, when compared to PEEK, titanium and cobalt chrome, was most similar to cortical bone in terms of:

Density

Tensile strength – 2 measures

Elongation at break point

Modulus of Elasticity

Yield strength

source:Scott DeFelice (OMP) / (Ortho pedics)

Gevo & LG Chem Extend Agreement for Ethanol-to-Olefins Technology

GEVO AND LG CHEM EXTEND JOINT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR BIO-PROPYLENE TO ACCELERATE COMMERCIALIZATION USING GEVO ETHANOL-TO-OLEFINS TECHNOLOGY

GEVO) and LG Chem leading global chemical companies committed to producing sustainable products, are extending their joint development agreement (the “Agreement”). The agreement extension enables LG Chem to assess existing assets for deploying Gevo’s Ethanol-to-Olefins (“ETO”) technology while accelerating commercialization activities, considering project scale and end-product markets.

“Gevo’s partnership with LG Chem is a great example of how we intend to accelerate development and commercialization of our patented ETO technology to enable renewable chemicals with our world-class partner,” said Gevo’s Chief Carbon and Innovation Officer, Dr. Paul Bloom. “Our ethanol-to-olefin process holds immense promise to decarbonize a substantial portion of the market for propylene, and LG Chem is starting commercial activities ahead of the timeline we originally planned.

Gevo’s patented ETO technology can target carbon-neutral or carbon-negative drop-in replacements for traditional petroleum-based building blocks. These are core olefins, that can be used for renewable fuels and chemicals, including sustainable aviation fuel and bio-propylene. ETO technology is just one of multiple patented technologies that Gevo is bringing to bear on the challenges of developing cost-effective bio-based renewable fuels and chemicals.

“LG Chem is committed to scaling pathways to sustainable products, and leveraging partnerships is a proven way to gain access to proprietary technologies and share ours,” said Dong-hyun Cho, Vice President, Head of LG Chem’s Petrochemicals R&D. “Our joint development agreement with Gevo is already helping LG Chem to shape sustainable and eco-friendly future business strategies.”

Because it can replace fossil-based products as a renewable raw material for various plastic products, bio-propylene is expected to play a pivotal role in the rapid growth of the bioplastic market and circular economy. Once commercialization is achieved, bio-propylene could be used as a drop-in replacement for use in a range of products from auto parts to flooring to diapers to replace petroleum products with bio-based materials with a low or negative carbon footprint.

source:Gevo

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share : Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sues companies over “forever chemicals:

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit Wednesday against chemical giants 3M and DuPont, accusing them of decades-long misrepresentations and omissions regarding the safety of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” sold for use in countless consumer products.

These products, sold under brand names such as Teflon, Stainmaster, and Scotchgard, have been staples in households across the nation despite mounting evidence that they contain chemicals that are harmful to human health.

“These companies knew for decades that PFAS chemicals could cause serious harm to human health yet continued to advertise them as safe for household use around families and children,” Paxton said in a press release.“Texas is taking action to penalize these companies and hold them accountable for deceiving Texans into buying consumer products without vital information.”

Daniel Turner, a spokesperson for DuPont, said in an email that the company has never manufactured PFOA and PFOS two types of PFAS chemicals or firefighting foam.

"While we don’t comment on litigation matters, we believe this complaint is without merit, and we look forward to vigorously defending our record of safety, health and environmental stewardship.

Representatives of 3M could not be immediately reached for comment.

PFAS,or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,are a family of manmade chemicals used to make products that resist heat, oil,stains, grease,& water.Some estimates list more than 12,000 types of individual PFAS.They’ve been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s and have earned the name “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down and can persist in water and soil indefinitely.

Exposure to specific PFAS has been linked to certain types of cancer, birth defects,damage to the liver and immune system.They also accumulate in animals,plants,and humans, contaminating drinking water and even circulating in human blood.

The lawsuit was filed in Johnson County nine days after a Texas Tribune story featured farmers in that county who have sued a fertilizer company,alleging the fertilizer they sell, which is made from municipal waste,contained PFAS that poisoned their land and killed their livestock.The farmers say they are not able to make a living off their own land because of the contamination.

Dana Ames, the environmental crime investigator for Johnson County who discovered the contamination on the farmers' land,said the lawsuit represents a significant step forward in the ongoing fight against PFAS contamination.

I was over the moon.It's a legal issue and he's [Paxton] our top lawyer for the state so I am very encouraged to see that he has taken this action,Ames said.

Many other farmers in other parts of the country have also shut down their operations due to PFAS contamination after using fertilizer made from biosolids produced from human waste.

Laura Dumais, a staff attorney with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, said Paxton's lawsuit underlines how addressing PFAS is not a partisan issue. The environmental group helped the Texas farmers with PFAS testing.

"As the overwhelming scope of the 'forever chemicals' crisis becomes increasingly apparent, Americans across the spectrum of political affiliation are clamoring for an end to the poisoning of their land, water, and food," Dumais said. "I hope that emerging lawsuits, along with increased public awareness, will begin to make a difference."

DuPont and 3M are two of the most prominent companies associated with these chemicals. Both companies have been historically involved in the manufacture, use and distribution of PFAS. In 2022, 3M announced plans to exit PFAS manufacturing by 2025 as part of its response to growing environmental and legal pressures.

According to Paxton's lawsuit, 3M and DuPont marketed their PFAS products for more than 70 years despite knowing the dangers for more than half a century. The suit alleges that the companies concealed critical risks, misrepresented safety claims, and continued promoting the chemicals as safe for consumer use. The state is seeking $1 million or more in damages, including civil penalties, attorneys’ fees and costs.

Texas had already taken legal action against PFAS manufacturers, including a lawsuit against Aqueous Film Forming Foam, a firefighting product that has polluted Texas lands and waterways.

“Attorney General Paxton has been at the forefront of holding companies responsible for exposing people to dangerous 'forever chemicals.' ” said a statement from the AG’s office. “Today’s lawsuit marks a new stage in PFAS litigation.”

Texas has found PFAS contamination in some drinking water systems: Nearly 50 public water systems across the state have reported exceeding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s newly-released PFAS limits for drinking water.

source:The Texas Tribune

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share :Fatigue Failure

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

Fatigue is a complicated aspect of plastic parts failure.

While most are aware of the need to keep frequency low in a fatigue test to avoid local heating of the sample, many may not be aware of the following extremely interesting tests to be done.

Let us say you test your sample (at some T and a given Stress Ratio, like 0.1) at 1 Hz and also 2 Hz.

Would you expect your part to fail after :

- the same number of cycles ? or

- the same testing time ?

Well, in a nutshell, if you fail at the same total time (twice the number of cycles) that indicates that your failure is Plasticity Controlled. A DUCTILE failure.

If you fail at the same number of cycles (i.e. half the testing time) your failure is Crack Growth controlled. A BRITTLE failure.

Of course things may be somewhat intermediate, but such simple tests will really inform you about the failure mechanism and help consider better materials for the application.

The test is particularly interesting for GF or CF filled polymers because the lack of visible deformation is often wrongly interpreted as BRITTLE fail !

source:Vito leo